News from the Noteworthy from Tobacco Free Communities: Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Local Govt’s Can Ban Menthol Cigarette Sales Our nation is on the precipice of banning sales of menthol-flavored cigarettes and flavored cigars—or not. After years of fits and starts, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed the ban in 2022 and sent its rules to the White House Office of Management and Budget in October 2023 for final review, the last regulatory step. The OMB was expected to…
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Hochul taps Delgado for Lieutenant Governor A stunning announcement out of Albany this morning upends the race for Otsego County’s congressional representation with Governor Kathy Hochul choosing Rep. Antonio Delgado as her new Lieutenant Governor. In a statement, the governor said, “I am proud to appoint Antonio Delgado, an outstanding leader and public servant, as Lieutenant Governor of New York, and I look forward to working with him to usher in a new era of fairness, equity, and prosperity for…
Gas tax holiday, drinks-to-go, volunteer fire department aid in state’s $220 billion budget Drivers in New York will enjoy at least a partial break from the state’s gasoline tax beginning June 1. The state’s new budget knocks 16 cents off the price of a gallon of unleaded or diesel gasoline between June 1 and December 31. It’s part of a $220 billion budget New York’s state Legislature approved April 7 and 8. Governor Kathy Hochul urged county governments across the…
Delgado, Molinaro trade comments on farm worker overtime New York State Commissioner of Labor Roberta Reardon has not yet rendered her decision on whether to accept the state’s Farm Laborers Wage Board decision to lower the farmworker overtime threshold from 60 hours per week to 40 hours per week, but that hasn’t stopped likely 2022 19th congressional district race foes Antonio Delgado and Marc Molinaro from lobbing a few press release barbs at each other over the issue. Incumbent Congressman…
Editorial: The inevitable stadium The nation’s football audience was legitimately incredulous several weeks ago when the NFL’s random rules denied the Bills offense a chance at the ball in its overtime loss – in a championship game, no less – to the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s a fair wager that New York sports fans took it particularly hard, as “our team” had a shot at the Super Bowl and then lost it in the closing seconds thanks to the reality…
Wabbit season [Editor’s note: Here’s this week’s opinion column from the Editor of The Freeman’s Journal / Hometown Oneonta, Ted Potrikus.] Elmer Fudd is out hunting, as he does, when Bugs Bunny informs him that it’s duck season. Daffy Duck isn’t having it; he lets Elmer know in no uncertain terms that it’s ‘wabbit season.’ Elmer, confused, can’t figure out which is correct. “Say, what’s the matter with you anyway?” Daffy demands of Elmer. “Don’t you know a wabbit when…
Governor ends mask mandate for businesses Governor Kathy Hochul said today (February 9) she will end the mask mandate in place for indoor businesses beginning Thursday, February 10. Citing “tremendous progress after two long years” and declining rates of hospitalization, the Governor said New York’s infection rates had dropped to levels not seen since last November, prior to the spread of the Omicron variant. Schools and ‘congregate settings’ such as transportation hubs and correctional facilities remain under the state Department…
New York State Supreme Court judge overturns Governor Hochul’s indoor mask mandate A New York State Supreme Court judge on Long Island overturned Governor Kathy Hochul’s indoor mask mandate – currently in place through February 1 – ruling the governor lacks the emergency powers to support the requirement. Nassau County judge Thomas Rademaker ruled late on January 24 that the power to issue such a mandate remains only with the state Legislature after lawmakers approved a law in March 2021…
Wassail, toddies, and, well, yes, politics By Ted Potrikus Ah, mid-December, when thoughts turn to the wrappings and trappings of the holiday season and joy-filled activities like wassailing and hot toddying and the Jenga stack that is New York State politics. New York Attorney General Tish James last week announced the end of her brief run chasing Governor Kathy Hochul for the Democratic Party nomination for governor in 2022. Surely that news brought seasonal joy to New York City Public…